Perceived Lack of Software Hurting iMAC Sales
RE: "12,000 programs???? How many will the imac run?" Bill Jackson, 8-20-98
Bill, Apple is rumored to have sold or taken orders for 350,000 iMAC units to date, per (MacOS Rumor). CNN posts an article indicating that up to 13% of iMAC purchases are to first time or to Windows users. This should not be thought of as any concern to Wintel because the general public believes that there are few, if any, programs that run on the iMac.
Actually, the iMac is just another Mac clone in a bright shiny case. As such, it runs the regular array of Mac programs. FYI, an article is attached.
Hal
Attached Article:
Tuesday, August 18, 1998 / Updated at 12:25 PM EDT
PC Users Not Biting Over Software Issues
The perceived lack of software for the Macintosh platform has always been a hindrance to the migration of the hundreds of millions of Windows using personal computer users around the world. Much of the problem stems from lack of understanding of the Macintosh market, where any seasoned Macintosh enthusiast can tell you that over 12,000 software applications for the Macintosh are available. Apple Computer is trying to fight this perception as well, supporting a huge guide of Macintosh hardware and software products, showing potential and existing customers the amazing capabilities any Macintosh can have for a few dollars here and there. True, the Windows platform does have more software titles available -- by a major factor. But most Macintosh users are very pleased with both the breadth and quality of Macintosh software available today. We wondered if this might affect iMac sales to Windows users. Heading to local computer stores yesterday, thessaSOURCE editor Eldee Stephens asked several shoppers if they had heard of the Apple iMac, and if so, would they consider buying one. Here in Chattanooga, there are no major retailers selling Macintosh computers, so these were PC users through and through. The results were amazing.
Of the twenty-nine people who had actually heard of the Apple iMac, only eight would consider buying one. None knew of the tremendous speed advantage the iMac offered, and those interested said the Internet capabilities and the unique design were the two biggest factors in their possible purchase. Almost everyone, though, said that the Macintosh did not have much software. I sat and wondered why it was that surrounded by tens of catalogs and online stores selling thousands of commercial titles anyone could consider the Macintosh to be software bereft. Then I started looking around the store. With the exception of one shelf unit, there was zero Macintosh software in the store. Only a few games, and those were two years old. The manager replied simply that no one ever buys Macintosh software in his store, and they almost never order new titles. "We get maybe a few Macintosh users in here every month, but all they do is complain," said the manager who declined to be named. "They just do not buy much." When I pointed out that many of the CD-ROM titles in the store ran on both platforms, the man simply shrugged and said, "you place [them] were the customers are looking." It is hard to argue with that logic from a purely business point of view.
Despite the wonderful array of software and hardware available at the CompUSA Macintosh stores, many titles still are hard to find. Several readers report they have gone to the Windows software sections and taken hybrid CD-ROM titles and put them in the Apple store where they should have been in the first place. The reality is simple: the Macintosh world has been so used to ordering software via mail order, the retail scene has been sorely neglected. But most consumers almost instinctively head to their local software boutique when looking for new software, and many new Macintosh users could be disappointed. Apple Computer understands this, and hoped that by focusing on CompUSA, the retail environment would improve. Oddly, it has. Despite having only one retailer, CompUSA delivers a great shopping experience for Macintosh users. Staff problems plague certain stores, but it is certainly better than most other places. In addition Macintosh users have somewhere to go instead of the way it used to be, with only a small aisle of Macintosh software in various stores. If every store looked like that, the perception Macintosh software is not out there becomes real to most consumers. So, what to do? Since no one knew just how much software was available, perhaps Apple should focus some marketing efforts in conjunction with its developers to sell Macintosh software while educating the public about its availability. The iMac certainly is a wonderful computer, but if everyone considers it to lack software, how many can you convince? Share your thoughts on the issue in our reader forum. " Thessasource |
